MURPHY STILL UNDECIDED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31206, 2 November 1966, Page 19

MURPHY STILL UNDECIDED

Canterbury’s star professional boxer since the Second World War, D. Murphy, who is transferring to Auckland on promotion in the Labour Department, has not decided whether he will continue boxing.

“It is still 50-50, as it has been for some time,” he said last evening. “I am in the game for money—but is the money worth it? That is my position, and I am still undecided.

“I have had my doubts about boxing since turning

professional. It’s a business —it’s not a sport when you are a professional. “I am honest about it. I am only in the boxing business for money—and I am undecided about continuing in this line of business, - ’ Murphy said. Undefeated in 17 successive bouts as a professional, and the former New Zealand light-weight title-holder until he relinquished it because he had to undergo a hernia operation, Murphy beat K. Amarfio in his only bout since he gave up the title. Loss To Canterbury

Murphy’s move to Auckland will leave a big hole in Canterbury boxing. The Canterbury Boxing Association began last season with three professionals —B. Maunsell, who attempted to take over Murphy’s role but was over-weight and feeling the effect »f too much boxing when he retired; L. Ny, who suffered brain damage when knocked out and has been advised not to box again; and Murphy. Murphy, who has consistently declined to box outside Christchurch because he put his career as a civil servant before his future in the ring, paid tribute to the Canterbury Boxing Association, and the Canterbury crowds last evening. He said that if he decided to continue boxing he would be very much alive to the opportunity of appearing again in his home town and before his home crowd.